dementors
J.K. Rowling's dementor was in hiding when I entered the post office, but I felt its kiss when I finally made my way up to the cashier. Perhaps British dementors hole up in Azkaban, but American demontors reside in post offices, departments of motor vehicles, and any place that requires you fill out a great deal of forms. These include (but are not limited to) hospital emergency rooms, university financial aid offices, and any office that offers public assistance of any kind.
Although I escaped, I'm having trouble steadying myself. I'm trying to imagine that I simply have no choice but to get over it because I notice that I tend to perform best in situations where I have no choice but to sink or swim. When I think that floating is an option, I dwell in a most unhealthy way.